Developmental Dysplasia of the Pediatric Hip with Emphasis on Sonographic Evaluation.

Developmental dislocation and/or dysplasia of the hip (DDH), formerly referred to as congenital dislocation of the hip, is a frequent problem of the neonatal and infant hip. At that age, the femoral head and acetabulum consist of cartilage components that are not visible on plain radiography but readily identified by ultrasound. Realtime sonography allows for assessment of the hip in multiple planes, both at rest and with movement. Ultrasound can replace radiographic studies and thereby reduce radiation exposure to the young infant.